Kiirgustoru

Kiirgustoru is an Estonian term that translates to "glow tube" or "luminescence tube." It refers to a type of gas-discharge lamp that produces light through the luminescence of a gas excited by an electric current. These lamps typically consist of a sealed glass tube filled with a specific gas or a mixture of gases, often at low pressure. When an electric voltage is applied across electrodes at either end of the tube, an electric current passes through the gas. This current energizes the gas atoms, causing them to emit photons, which we perceive as light.

The color of the light emitted by a kiirgustoru depends on the type of gas or gases used within the tube. For example, neon gas produces a reddish-orange light, while argon can produce blue or green light depending on the presence of other substances. These tubes were historically used for various lighting applications, including decorative signage, indicator lights, and even as early forms of general illumination. While more advanced lighting technologies have largely replaced them, the principle behind the kiirgustoru remains a foundational concept in the understanding of gas-discharge lighting. Their distinctive glow and historical significance make them recognizable in certain contexts.